All weekend, we’re capturing the magic—of magic! Join us for films, programs, and events for the whole family to learn about magic in New York, from the 19th century to today.

The Magic Lantern: The Grandfather of Cinema
Friday, August 24, 5–8 pm
Artist and filmmaker Joel Schlemowitz demonstrates this Victorian-era storytelling tradition used to produce apparitions that could transport viewers to distant lands, conjure ghosts and spirits, or simply amuse with silly jokes.

All weekend, we’re capturing the magic—of magic! Join us for films, programs, and events for the whole family to learn about magic in New York, from the 19th century to today.

The Magic Lantern: The Grandfather of Cinema
Friday, August 24, 5–8 pm
Artist and filmmaker Joel Schlemowitz demonstrates this Victorian-era storytelling tradition used to produce apparitions that could transport viewers to distant lands, conjure ghosts and spirits, or simply amuse with silly jokes.

Houdini’s Needle Swallow & More Parlor Magic!
Friday, August 24, 2018, 6–8 pm | Free with Pay-as-you-wish Friday Night
Step right up to discover parlor magic performed by The Great Dubini! Gasp as he swallows needles in homage to Houdini and marvel at some of the oldest tricks in the history books.

The Prestige (2006)
Friday, August 24, 7–9:30 pm | Free with Pay-as-you-wish Friday Night
An illusion gone horribly wrong pits two 19th-century magicians against each other in a bitter battle for supremacy. Runtime 130 minutes.

Visit a Victorian Magic Lantern Show
Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, 11 am – 4 pm
What’s a ‘magic lantern’? Examine antique projection equipment and painted glass slides, and see how Victorian lanternists conjured images of spirits, distant lands, and illustrations to entertain New Yorkers in the 19th century, demonstrated by artist and filmmaker Joel Schlemowitz.